Hong Kong journalists oppose accreditation rule, call it attack on 'Freedom of Press'

After Hong Kong police issued official letter that restricted free cover of Hong Kong protests by media to only “internationally recognized and reputable” news outlets, journalists on September 23 demonstrated and voiced ir opinions against new rule. According to an Associated Press ncy report, Hong Kong’s professional journalism association rebuked government’s restrictive protocol against freedom of press, saying, that it h “ right” to determine and legally allow only favourable press ncies to protests and police brutality cover, conveniently shutting out ors. 

Furr, association criticized Hong Police for eroding rights and freedom of speech and expression of citizens in China-controlled semi-automous territory. While journalists heavily condemned China’s draconian national security law under which security forces detained many journalists for ir cover of citizens’ uprising against state government and police, y w stood against violation of freedom of press. In an attempt to curb free speech, Hong Kong government issued orders that with due effect, journalists registered with Government News and Media Information Service will w only be allowed to cover demonstrations and protests in territory, as per police’s letter, cited by AP. 

“Police cant be permitted to use ministrative means to screen only officially recognised media, thus undermining fundamental rights of people of Hong Kong," Hong Kong Journalists Association said in a statement accessed by ncy.

letter explicitly stated that it will recognize only selective journalists and would longer recognize accreditations given by major associations such as Hong Kong Journalists Association (HKJA) and Hong Kong Press Photographers Association (HKPPA). It would also restrict those working as journalists under se organizations from accessing information and attending press conferences. 

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[In a sign of protest against police using force against media, press photographers wear protective gear during a police media conference in Hong Kong. Credit: AP]

Warning that new policy must be withdrawn or y’d respond with measures, HKJA, HKPPA said in an AP report, “ amendment allows authorities to decide who are reporters, which fundamentally changes existing system in Hong Kong”.

Leing city to 'authoritarian rule'

Furr, it ded, “It will be different to an official accreditation system, which will seriously impede press freedom in Hong Kong, leing city toward authoritarian rule.” However, in its defence, police chief superintendent, Kwok Ka-Chuen, said that protests often attracted hundreds of reporters to a single hot spot and it was difficult to establish identities of troublemakers from journalists. refore, self-proclaimed reporters that assaulted security forces and obstructed law enforcement will w be stopped. He said that decision was me with prior discussions with media groups, according to reports. 

[Hong Kong's professional journalism association on Thursday protested new rules restricting who can provide press cover during demonstrations. Credit: AP]

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(Im Credit: AP)